Building a more meaningful future for Facility Management this FM Day
As we recognise this year’s World FM Day theme of cultivating belonging through built environments, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the people behind the work we do every day.
At Programmed, facility management has always been about more than maintaining buildings and delivering services. It’s about the people who show up each day to support customers, communities and each other - and the impact they have through the relationships they build along the way.
We know that the future of our industry won’t be shaped by operational excellence alone. It will be shaped by how well we support, develop and care for the people who keep our environments running.
One lens that continues to resonate across our business is our Work and Smile four “why’s” of work: for me (personal purpose and growth), for we (team belonging), for us (supporting family and our dependents), and for all of us (contributing to the broader community).
These “why’s” remind us that meaningful work looks different for everyone - but connection, belonging, and feeling valued matters to us all.
Creating a culture of belonging
While technical capability remains essential, people entering the FM industry today are also looking for careers where they can grow, feel supported and be part of something bigger than themselves. They’re looking for roles that deliver “for me”, purpose, growth and a clear pathway; and “for we”, strong teams where their contribution is seen and valued.
Across Programmed, we’re proud to have many longstanding team members who have built rewarding careers with us over many years, including people who choose to return because of the culture and relationships they’ve experienced here. That kind of connection is built over time through trust, support and shared purpose.
We see it in the way our teams help one another through busy periods, celebrate milestones together, and create space for people to grow both personally and professionally.
We’re also continuing to strengthen the diversity of our workforce and create opportunities for more people to see a future for themselves in FM.
We’re seeing encouraging progress in gender representation through our graduate and apprenticeship pathways. Our most recent Victorian graduate cohort is entirely female, and female participation in our apprentice programs continues to grow. It’s positive progress that helps us build a workforce that better reflects the customers and communities we work alongside.
Supporting our people to grow and thrive
Attracting great people is only part of the story. What matters just as much is how we support people once they join us. That’s where “for me” becomes tangible, and where our leaders play a critical role in creating the conditions for others to succeed.
In environments such as social housing, the human side of our work is especially important. Every interaction can influence how safe, respected and supported someone feels in their home. That’s why we continue investing in training and development that helps our people and vendor partners approach every interaction with empathy, understanding and care.
Internally, we reinforce this through ongoing development in cultural awareness, diversity, equity and inclusion, and mental health, practical capabilities that help teams collaborate well “for we” and keep sight of the human impact of the spaces we manage.
We also want our people to feel confident about the future they can build at Programmed. Opportunities such as our Internal Mentoring and Leadership Essentials programs are designed to help people grow their skills, back themselves and explore new pathways throughout their careers.
Strong in our connection to community
Connection to community remains another important part of fostering belonging “for all of us”. Initiatives such as the Wadjemup Cup, partnerships with organisations like the Clontarf Foundation, volunteer leave, and community engagement activities give our people opportunities to contribute beyond their day-to-day roles and strengthen their connection to the communities we support.
Together, these experiences help create a workplace where people feel connected to each other and to the purpose behind the work they do. When we feel valued and supported, the care, pride and commitment we bring naturally flows through to customers, communities and our teammates.
Thank you to all our people across Programmed Facility Management for the care and commitment you bring every day. Whether you’re on the tools, supporting behind the scenes, leading teams, or working directly with customers and communities, the difference you make is felt far beyond the spaces we manage.
Happy FM Day.
Creating a strong future together,
Matthew Cotterall
Executive General Manager
Programmed Facility Management